literature

Jealousy

Deviation Actions

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A family meeting – Ichigo dreaded those. It usually meant his father wanted to make some big deal out of nothing. And the fact that this 'important' meeting was on a SUNDAY meant that it was going to be a HUGE deal. Ichigo sat at the kitchen table, a scowl upon his face and arms folded. Karin was almost mimicking him...except her scowl was a little than his. Yuzu was the only one out of the Kurosaki children that was excited about this little meeting.

'Hope this doesn't take long. I'm in no mood for this.'

Isshin came skipping into the kitchen, creeping out at least two of his three children, and plopped down in a chair. He positioned himself comfortably and flashed a rather large smile.

'Oh great...he's grinning like an idiot...that's never a good sign.'

"Gooooooooooooooood moooooooooooooooorniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing, my lovely children!" Isshin greeted cheerfully.

"Morning, Dad!" giggled Yuzu.

Ichigo and Karin just grunted.

"As you all know, this is an IMPORTANT family meeting! So please listen!" continued the old Shinigami with a light tone.

"Just get this over with, Dad. I want to go back to bed." grumbled Karin.

"I second the motion." Ichigo mumbled.

"Karin! Onichan! Don't be so rude!" complained Yuzu.

Isshin cleared his throat. His children fell silent.

"Now...Ryūken Ishida is throwing a huge party for all prominent doctors and their families in Japan. Now since I own my own clinic, that's considered being a 'prominent' doctor. So we're all invited to attend." Isshin explained.

"We're going to a party?!" Yuzu exclaimed excitedly.

"This Saturday."

"Yay!"

"Oh joy...a stuffy party with stuffy people...just the type of gathering I've always wanted to go to." muttered Karin grumpily.

"Um...can I opt out?" Ichigo asked, his hand raised as if he was in a classroom. "Rukia wanted me to take her ice skating. Says she wants to get plenty of practicing in before the ice rink in the Soul Society is completed."

Isshin swatted Ichigo across his head. "Absolutely not! We're all to be there! No exceptions!" A wry smile crossed the old Shinigami's lips. "But you can invite her to come along. She is, after all, a part of this family too."

Ichigo looked at his father in disbelief. He couldn't ask Rukia to this party! It would sound like a date! Then again, the ice skating trip was suppose to be the day he was going to ask her to date him...

"Yeah! Invite Rukia!" chirped Yuzu.

"She'll make the party interesting..." mused Karin.

Ichigo slammed his head onto the table and groaned.   'My family's trying to get me killed...'




Ichigo sat on his bed, listening nervously to the dial tone. The family meeting was over and he was ordered to go into his room to give Rukia the fated call. What his family didn't understand was that Rukia probably was going to kill him when he had to cancel the trip to the ice rink.

'She'll understand, they said. She'll be excited, they said. Hmph. If they're right...I'll eat a handful of plain oats.'

The dial tone kept mocking Ichigo. He started to wonder if the Soul Pager Rukia gave him was broken or something.

'How long does it take for someone to answer the damn phone!?'

"Moshi moshi?"

Ichigo nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of his friend's voice. "Ack! Rukia! Uhhh...moshi moshi..." He chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Um...how are ya?"

"I'm doing well. Just have a lot of paperwork to do before Saturday."

"Ah...well...about that..."

"Are you giving me a rain check, Ichigo?"

The orange haired Shinigami swallowed down his fear. The tone of her voice...it was utterly terrifying!

'Goodbye, ass. It was nice knowing you.'   "N-no! Well...yes...and no...ah...it's hard to explain..."

"Then I guess you better try, huh?"

'She's gonna kill me through the phone!'   "U-um...well...ah...erm...you see...my stupid Dad has been invited to this party, and he's dragging us along...and he thought you'd like to come, since we all think of you as part of our family. And...it's Saturday..."

There was a pregnant pause before this: "Okay! Sounds like fun! And I just bought some new clothes that I want your opinion on!"

'Well that was a sudden change of attitude...'   "Why do you need my opinion? I'm a guy. I'm clueless when it comes to you women and your clothes."

"Ohhh...it's not THAT difficult, Ichigo! You just need to tell me if you like it or not."

"Fine...I guess I can do that since I can't take you ice skating..."

"Perfect! I'll be over Saturday, then! Just update me on the time later! I REALLY need to get back to my paperwork! Bye bye!"

The very minute Rukia's end went dead, relief swept over Ichigo. That wasn't as bad as he thought...though it was pretty bad. He heaved a sigh and rose from his bed. Quietly, he walked over to his door. Then, he swung it open. Sure enough there was Yuzu and Isshin – eavesdropping as usual.

"There! I asked her! Happy?! Now, if you don't mind...GET AWAY FROM MY ROOM!!!!"



Rukia walked up to the door of the Kurosaki residence, eager to flash off her new clothes. As of late, Rukia was finding that she was liking a darker style of clothing. She still was deeply into cute clothes...but there was something haunting and elegant about these darker style of clothes that just attracted her. Besides, she read somewhere that if she tried new things then that special guy would probably notice her. And in this case...that special guy was Ichigo. Along with the fact that she was getting into the darker, edgier side...she was starting to find her inner woman. And that inner woman wanted to be held and loved by Ichigo, and ONLY Ichigo.

'Really hope he likes this outfit...'

She reached the door and stood there for a minute, making sure her outfit was in check. The black tube top lace dress with red trimming, red mesh underneath, and corset tying in the back was in perfect order. The black platform shoes with shoe laces, a line of plaid, skull studs, and black lace didn't have a scuff in sight. The glittery panda head with pink X on one of the eyes, heart for a nose, and a silver hoop earring on one of the ears necklace wasn't spreading its glitter. And the pink and black pyramid stretch bracelet was still in once piece. Now that she was certain that she looked her best in the clothing department, she fiddled with her short hair. It was still up in its ringlets that were incredibly tedious to do all by herself. The lieutenant concluded that she was looking perfect, and now it was time to face everyone.

'Can't believe Saturday came so fast! Ah! I have butterflies! Okay, Rukia...breathe. This isn't a date. This is just a little party you were invited to. Alright...I'm ready...I hope...why does being a female have to be such a pain...'

With a shaky fist, Rukia knocked on the door. It took a second, but that front door swung open so fast that the petite woman felt a gush of air slam into her. Her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. It didn't take her long to calm, since it was Isshin that opened the door.

"Rukiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I'm so glad you could make it! Wow! You look great! A little edgy, yet so pretty!" Isshin started crying his crocodile tears. "Look at out third daughter, Masaki! She's so beautiful!"

'Well...nice to know he hasn't really changed...'

"Come on in! Ichigo is still finishing up getting ready. Make yourself at home!"

A gentle smile touched Rukia's mouth. "Alright. I think I will."

Isshin stepped aside, allowing Rukia to enter. She walked aimlessly towards the stairs, thinking about all the fun times she had had in this little home. It saddened her to think about since becoming a lieutenant she didn't have as much time as she wanted to to come visit. In fact, this was her first visit in a few weeks.

'Wonder if Captain Ukitake would allow me to do paperwork here...'

"Rukia!" cheered Yuzu once she saw the Shinigami enter the living room.

"Oh! Hello, Yuzu! Ah! You look simply adorable!"

Yuzu looked down at her outfit. It was just a simply green sundress with some Greek styled sandals, so she seemed a little confused by what Rukia had said. In the end, the young girl was flattered.

"Thanks!" she said with a smile. "You look ten times better, Rukia! You're so pretty!"

Rukia just smiled a little nervously. "If you say so."

Karin walked out of the kitchen, and stopped upon entering the living room. Sure, she could've seen from the kitchen the commotion going on, but she was too busy absorbed with her orange juice. She nearly choked on it when she saw Rukia.

"Wow. Nice style. Looks sexy." Karin said bluntly.

'Sometimes...I adore her honestly.'   "Aw! Thanks, Karin!"

Karin shrugged, chugging the carton of orange juice and doing an amazing job from not spilling an ounce of it on her black dress.

"Karin! That's our last carton of orange juice! If you drink all of it again, Onichan will be mad!" whined Yuzu.

"Pft! Like I care." Karin grumbled.

Rukia rolled her eyes. She missed the little tiffs the twins always got in. They were cute. The last time she had come to visit, only Ichigo was home. The girls were busy doing extra curricular activities and Isshin was busy with work. It was nice to see all of the Kurosakis. She had missed this family so much.

'I really need to visit more often...'

Pounding footsteps came bounding down the stairs. Rukia's heart lept into her throat. She knew who it was that was coming down those stairs. The moment of truth was fast approaching. Sure enough, Ichigo came into the living room, his eyes distracted. He was fiddling with a white tie that seemed to be giving him some great difficulty.

"Gah! Stupid..." he hissed lowly.

Again, Rukia rolled her eyes. Things just never changed. She walked up to the Substitute Shinigami, and immediately took the tie into her hands. If there was one thing she knew how to do it was, oddly enough, tying a tie.

Ichigo raised his head, about to thank her, but the words never formed. From the corner of her eyes, Rukia could see the way he looked at her. Those amber eyes were wide with wonder and awe, that mouth was slightly agape, and there was a light blush rising on his cheeks. Rukia did her best to ignore him – putting all of her focus on the white tie. Finally, she was done and smoothed it out on his dark gray button up shirt slowly. As her fingers brushed down his chest and the tie...she felt his heartbeat speed up. Her ears burned and she quickly brought back her fingers. She looked up at him, acting as natural as she possibly could. He was still staring at her the same way as he did when he tried to thank her. And, for a minute...Rukia thought she could see herself clearly in those beautiful eyes...

"Hey!" she barked, behaving like herself in order to kill any suspicion. "Keep that mouth open and you'll catch flies!" She two fingers under his chin and closed his mouth. "Much better."

She waited for him to scoff and start scolding her for making fun of him, or something else stupid. But he didn't. He just continued to stare – unsure what words to use. Rukia wondered if she should take this as a good thing or not.

"You...you look great." he finally said, his voice slightly cracked and his gaze off elsewhere.

Rukia's heart squealed with joy. He liked her outfit. He liked how she looked. That's all she had wanted for tonight. She smirked smugly at him and playfully tapped his chest. "See? Now was that so hard to compliment me?"

A small pout crossed Ichigo's face. "Tsk. Shut up."

'He's so cute when he pouts like that...'

Isshin came racing into the room, his face full of giddiness. "The limo's here!"

"Limo?!" cried the twins with excitement.

"Yes! Ryūken rented limos for each and every one of his guests and their families! Come on! Let's go let's go let's go!"

The twins didn't wait to be told again. Along with their father, they rushed out the front door, eager to feel like celebrities. Ichigo and Rukia remained in the house, both have almost identical expressions.

"Why do I get a Byakuya vibe from this?" grumbled Ichigo.

"You know...I was thinking the same thing." mumbled Rukia.




The ride in the limo was enjoyable for the most part. The only one who wasn't exactly having a great time in the flashy ride was Ichigo, who was laying across the seat and Rukia's lap the entire trip groaning and holding the small trash can provided. Turned out that he suffered car sickness easily. Who would've thought? Not Rukia. She was a little surprised when the limo started driving off how fast it consumed him. He didn't even notice that he was on Rukia's lap the entire ride – was too busy making sure that he could land any possible puke into the trash can. But she didn't complain. Although he was suffering, she was enjoying the part of him that was strewn across her lap. And because he was so distracted, she got away with playing with his soft, spiky, orange hair.

Upon arrival, Ichigo hurried out of the limo and bent over. He was taking in some seriously shallow breathing that made Rukia worry a little. But it was explained to her that this was normal and to just let him recover from the limo ride. Oddly enough, it didn't take him that long. Once he was completely fine, the Kurosakis and Rukia entered the hospital.

'Odd place to throw a party. Humans are so bizarre...'

"Party's down the right hall." sighed a receptionist, who looked bored out of her mind.

"Thank you!" Isshin said cheerfully.

He led his children and Rukia down the right hall. At the end of it was a giant sign that said 'Welcome!' on it in bright lettering. Classical music could be heard coming from the closed doors under the sign, as well as chattering. Rukia was actually excited. Being a noble, she was used to social gatherings and could easily hone her skills in this setting.

Isshin pushed open the doors and stepped aside, allowing those younger than him to enter. Yuzu and Karin went in first, followed by Ichigo and Rukia. Rukia gasped quietly. Never did she think a mere hospital would have such an elegant ballroom...

"The Ishidas sure know how to go over the top..." sniffed Ichigo.

"This is nothing! You should see some of the parties we nobles host!" said Rukia with a snort.

"Yeah...think I'll pass." He shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced over at a nearby vacant table. "Wanna go sit down?"

"Sure."

Rukia followed Ichigo closely behind, knowing that she probably looked like a lost puppy. They sat down in the soft, squishy chairs and were silent. Ichigo put his arms on the table, then buried his head in them. There was a soft moan that escaped from his throat and his body tensed.

'Maybe he isn't as recovered from his car sickness as I thought.'   "You alright?"

The orange haired Shinigami answered with a grunt.

"I'll take that as a no."

Suddenly, a girl approached their table. She had shiny copper hair that fell to her shoulders, seductive green eyes, and a light touch of tan on her pale skin. She was taller than Rukia was, but her black, pink, and silver platform heels probably helped out there. She was wearing a short and snug red tube top dress that played off her flirtatious vibe, black and silver dangling star earrings that were hidden for the most part behind her hair, a strange bracelet with dotted lips, and a panda necklace that looked fairly expensive. She was gorgeous...and Rukia felt a little out shined by this girl. The girl pointed at Rukia's necklace with a sly grin.

"Guess we have the same taste." she mused.

Rukia flinched. This girl's voice...it was more womanly that her's. Her voice was...close to manly sometimes...  "I guess we do."

The girl slid onto a chair without an invitation. She propped her elbows on the table and rested her jawline on top of her fingers. She gave Rukia a look of "I'm better than you and you know it", which irked Rukia. But she used all her skills as a noble to remain calm and looked pleased to meet this girl. Though, on the inside, she thought that this girl was already incredibly rude.

"Sooo...do you have a name?" the girl asked, her eyes not focused on the petite Shinigami.

Rukia's fingers curled into fists on her lap.   'Don't do it, Rukia. You are better than this. You are a Kuchiki. You must live up to the name.'   "It's Rukia."

The girl's brow raised. "Rukia? That's a weird name."

"Is it now? How about I hear yours? Then we can decided which name is more 'weird', as you said."

Ichigo groaned as he lifted his head. "Don't blow a gasket, Rukia." He looked at the girl. "Listen you...go bother someone e –"

He suddenly sat up straight, a look of recognition  in his eyes. Rukia looked back and forth between the two, wondering if they knew each other. She got her answer when Ichigo's face paled.

"K-Kisune?"

A sly grin appeared on Kisune's bright red lipstick lips. "Took you long enough to notice that I was here. Has it really been that long since you've heard my voice?"

Rukia cringed at those words. She didn't like the idea of Ichigo knowing someone like this. Beggars were never choosers. Ichigo's surprised expression molded into that scowl he was famous for and Rukia noticed that his body became tensed.

"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.

"Why do you think? I'm here with my father. He's a prominent doctor, remember?" Kisune replied with a flirtatious giggle. "You were always a forgetful one, Ichi."

A knot twisted and churned in Rukia's stomach. This girl...she was allowed to call Ichigo 'Ichi'. But the Shinigami wasn't allowed to. He always had flipped out when she called him that. Her knuckles started going white. She suddenly had the urge to land a nice, good, hard right hook on Kisune's gorgeous face. No one was allowed to call Ichigo 'Ichi' until SHE was allowed to!

The teen's eyes narrowed. "And you were always eager to get in my pants. What's your point?"

'Yes! You tell her, Ichigo!'

Kisune rolled her eyes. "Oh Ichi, I thought you didn't listen to rumors?"

"Well, when my sources were more reliable than your pretty words..."

"None of your friends liked me, Ichi."

"And neither did I."

"Ah. You said 'did'. Does that mean your mind has changed?"

"Excuse me, but I'm still here." Rukia interrupted, not wanting to hear the answer.

Kisune glanced over at Rukia with a little spark of annoyance. "Oh. Right. Forgot you were even here...um...what was your name again?"

"It's Rukia."

"Riiiight. Rukia. Is that European or something? It doesn't sound very Japanese."

Before Rukia could answer, a rather pretty song came on and Kisune rose to her feet. There was a look of eagerness in her eyes...and a look of that taunted Rukia. It said 'I'm gonna take him away from you, and there's nothing you can do about it'.

"Oh! What a pretty song! Want to dance, Ichi? Like we did in our second year of middle school?" Kisune inquired in a peppy tone.

The raven haired girl's throat tightened. The person...she danced with Ichigo once? A new emotion arose within Rukia, one she had never experience before. But she didn't need to ask what it was. She knew exactly what it was she was feeling. Jealousy. She was jealous of this Kisune woman for seeming to know Ichigo, for flirting with Ichigo, for even LOOKING at Ichigo!

'Damn these human emotions!'

"No thanks. I came here with Rukia. I'm not just leaving her alone in a place full of strangers." Ichigo said flatly.

"Are you two dating or something?" Kisune jeered.

"No."

"Then why does it matter if you leave her alone or not?"

"Because unlike you, I have class and manners."

'Since when?!'

Kisune rolled her eyes. "Fine. Suit yourself."

She walked off with a little sway in her hips. Rukia was ever so glad to see her leave. Another minute of this Kisune...and Rukia would lose her patience. But, despite her competition leaving...the Shinigami felt that jealousy lingering like an incurable disease. It made her body shiver lightly, made her heart beat with fury, and made her entire hands go purple from how hard she was clenching them.

'I hate that woman...I hate her...'

"Hey..." Ichigo's voice came softly.

Rukia glanced up at him, a quizzical expression upon her face. Those amber eyes she had fallen for were staring at her gently, almost melting her. She felt her ears burn and became instantly grateful that they were hidden behind her hair.

"Do you wanna dance?" asked the orange haired teen.

"H-huh?" Rukia squeaked.

"You know..." He pointed at the middle of the room where many couples were slow dancing together. "Dance."

"Um...well...I can't dance..."

His brow rose. "Seriously? They don't teach you nobles to dance?"

The petite woman flushed a light pink. "Unlike you humans, our gatherings are just social events. Why bother learning to dance?"

"Do I take that as a no, then?"

"Of course! Like I said, I can't dance and it wouldn't be enjoyable for you."

"You never know." Ichigo stood up, sticking one hand in his pocket and the other he held out for her. "Come on. You can stand on my feet and I do all the work. Sound like a plan?"

At first, Rukia was hesitant. This sort of offer wasn't her cup of tea. But then, giving in to that woman inside of her that longed to be with the impulsive man, she took his hand. His large fingers curled carefully around her tiny ones, as if he were fearful of breaking them. He led her to the dance floor like a gentleman...which was a little odd for him.

'Maybe he becomes polite after getting car sick.'

Once on the dance floor, Ichigo brought her around to his front. Muttering to himself, he placed her right hand on his waist and placed her left hand on his shoulder. He then put his hands around her tiny waist and picked her up, setting her feet on top of his. All while he was doing this...Rukia was doing her best not to either squeal with joy or blush. She did good with the not squealing part. The blushing part? Not so much. By the time he took her left hand off his shoulder and held it firmly in his own hand, she was the shade of a ripe watermelon on the inside.

"Okay...you ready?" he inquired softly.

Afraid of her voice suddenly becoming high pitched if she spoke, the Shinigami just nodded. Ichigo chuckled lightly and a gentle smile brushed his lips.

"Alright. Here we go."

Slowly, and a little off beat from the music, Ichigo started to dance. Or, more like shuffling his feet around to a dancing rhythm so Rukia wouldn't wobble too much. Rukia kept a good grip on his hand and his waist, since she feared of falling somehow. She eventually wobbled just enough where she biffed it into his chest. Embarrassed, she just kept her face buried in his collarbone, and allowed the burning blush to consume her entire face.

"It's alright. I gotcha." laughed Ichigo lightly.

"I-I know that!" spat Rukia nervously.

"Uh-huh. Sure you do."

Rukia bit back any sort of comeback she had stocked up. Right now all she could do was stay as stiff as a board while her love interest danced on. Slowly, she relaxed as she felt Ichigo's hand slide onto her back and giving her support. She rested her head lower on his chest – listening to his steady heartbeat. It was rather hypnotic, much to her surprise. It soothed her enough where her grip loosened and closed her eyes.

'This is...nice. Never thought that this type of thing happened in real life...only in movies and books...'

"Hey...the song's over. Want me to get you a drink or something?" came Ichigo's calm, harsh voice, disrupting Rukia's thoughts.

Her head bolted up, bonking Ichigo in the chin. Both of them yelped and staggered away from each other, rubbing their new wounds. In silence, Rukia scolded herself for ruining such a wonderful moment between them.

'I'm such a ditz sometimes! Argh!'   "Y-yeah. Sure. A drink sounds nice."

Ichigo nodded. "Alright. I'll get you a drink. What do you want?"

"Whatever they have."

And with that information, Ichigo walked off towards the long table full of drinks, food, and other goodies. Rukia continued to rub the spot on her head that caught Ichigo's chin. She couldn't believe that she did that! She had no reason to react the way she did! All he did was ask a question! The lieutenant heaved a sigh and shook her head.

'Is this how it'll always be between us?'

"Smooth move there, honey boo."

Rukia jolted at that familiar voice. She whipped around...coming face to face with a snide looking Kisune.

"That was a really cute moment you two were having. Why did you have to go and ruin it?"

"It was an accident! Now buzz off!"

"Ooh! Is little miss flat chest upset?"

Rukia hugged her arms around her chest, her cheeked a cherry red. "How dare you mock me! I should make you apologize right now!"

"But you wont now, will you?"

The Shinigami bit her lip. Kisune scoffed.

"As I thought. You don't have the guts to pull off anything here."

'Ooh...how I wish I could cut you down to size...'

"Tell me, Rukia, how long have you known Ichi?"

Rukia's brow furrowed. "It's ICHIGO, and I've known him for a while. What does that have to do with anything?"

Kisune smiled smugly. "It has to do with a lot." She got closer to Rukia, that smile growing. "Tell me...did you know that his favorite color is blue?"

A sudden pang of hurt stabbed Rukia in the chest. "Well...no..."

"Did you know that his favorite cake is German Chocolate and sometimes plain cheesecake?"

"No..."

"Did you know that if you play with his ears, it makes him blush and he becomes very antsy around you?"

"Why does it matter?!"

"It matters, Rukia, because it shows just how little you know about him. And, therefore, don't deserve his sympathy. That's why he danced with you. He felt sympathetic to the fact that you could NEVER compare to me."

Rukia wanted to shout at this shallow child. Wanted to tell her that none of this mattered in the end. But she couldn't find her words. Instead, the Shinigami felt her stubborn will slowly crumble beneath her.




'Jeez...why does there have to be so many drinks in this damn place?'

Ichigo was staring at the long row of drinks that were set out on the table with agitation. Which one would Rukia like? He had no idea, and he certainly didn't want to make her upset if he got something she didn't like. She was already upset from Kisune's behavior...he didn't need to make it any worse. Especially after he had done his best to pick up her mood by dancing with her.

"Are you just going to stand there all day? Or are you going to get something?"

The Substitute glowered at the Quincy. He was not in the mood for this. Not when he was trying to keep Rukia happy, keep his distance from Kisune, and not gripe aloud about how disappointed he was about not taking Rukia ice skating. Uryu leaned in towards the table and picked up a wine glass full of cider, not caring that Ichigo was there.

"Is it that hard to pick a drink, Kurosaki?" questioned Uryu dryly.

"Look, Mr. Handy Crafts, this is for Rukia. Not me." Ichigo answered coolly.

"Didn't you ask her what she wanted?"

"Yes. She just told me to get whatever is here. Problem is I don't want her to get upset if I accidentally grabbed something she doesn't like."

"Why does it matter? Since when do you care?"

"Since your dad's stupid little party ruined my plans to take Rukia out ice skating, and giving me the chance to ask her to be my girlfriend."

Uryu didn't respond to that at first. He just took a sip of his drink, then cleared his throat. He pushed his glasses up his nose and nodded. "I see...well I guess that gives one a reason to care." He took another sip of his drink. "Now your little dance with her makes sense."

"I was doing that to cheer her up. Kisune just had to find us..."

"Kisune? As in Eriko Kisune?"

"Uh-huh."

A shiver danced down the Quincy's spine. "I hate that woman."

"At least you weren't the one she stalked till she moved away at the end of the second year of middle school."

"I thought that was just a joke people were tossing about because she seemed to know you down to the tee?"

"Sadly...it wasn't."

There was a long, awkward pause.

"Boy...do I not envy you."

"Thanks. You're such a pal."

"And speaking of Kisune...isn't that her talking to Kuchiki-san?"

Never in all of Ichigo's life did he spin around so fast. To his horror...Uryu was right. There was Rukia and Kisune, talking to each other. Well, it looked more like Kisune was doing all the talking and Rukia was looking more and more upset my the minute.

'Damnit! Does something bad have to happen every time I turn my back!?'   In a state of panic, Ichigo raced over to the girls. When he reached them, he tried to act as casual as possible...which he knew he failed at miserably. "Hey! What's up?"

Kisune just smiled like she was innocent and could do no wrong. Rukia, on the other hand, looked like she was either going to throttle Kisune...or burst into tears.

"Nothing. We were just having girl talk." said Kisune sweetly.

'Liar.'   "Could you excuse us for a moment?"

Quickly, he grabbed Rukia by the arm and dragged her out of the ballroom. He led her down to the other end of the hall, which was just a smaller ballroom, and snuck her inside. He flipped on the lights and faced Rukia with his hands on his hips.

"What did she say?" he asked sternly.

The raven haired girl adverted her gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about. We were just having a friendly chat. I don't see why you had to take me away from the party. You're so over protective."

"Liar. If it was just a 'friendly chat' like you said...then why did you look like you were going to kill her or cry?"

"You're imagining things."

"Look, Rukia, I know you better than anyone else here. Don't you think I know when you're upset? Why else do you think I asked you to dance?"

The next thing he knew, the petite woman was looking at him with devastated eyes. A sharp pain stabbed him in the chest. He absolutely HATED it when those beautiful purple-blue eyes were sad in any shape or form. Rukia took a step away from him and pulled her arms tightly to her chest. She was closing herself up...or at least trying to. Her tiny frame quivered like she had a fever, and Ichigo swore he could hear her sniffing but couldn't see tears falling out from under her curled hair.

"You know me better than anyone, huh? Well...I wish I could same about you." Rukia said quietly.

"What do you mean?" Ichigo inquired, his face contorted with confusion.

"I didn't know you're favorite color was blue...I didn't know that you like German Chocolate cake and sometimes plain cheesecake..."

"Uh, Rukia? Where is all of this coming from?"

She threw her face up – covered in now falling tears and consumed with anger. "And how DARE she know about your ears! How does she even know that?!"

Unconsciously, Ichigo touched his ears. "M-my ears? What about them? Is this what Kisune was talking to you about? How you don't know me or something?"

Rukia didn't answer. Instead, she took a giant step forward and shot her hand out. Her tiny fingers reached up and grabbed his ears. She rubbed them between those fingers...and Ichigo turned about six shades of red. He yanked away from her and shielded his accursed ears from her. His face was still bright red, and he felt a rush coursing throughout his body.

"Oh my God...I was hoping she was kidding..." breathed Rukia, her expression worthy of an Oscar nomination for most heart wrenching. "How does she know that about you!?"

Ichigo swallowed the massive lump in his throat. He didn't have the heart to tell Rukia how Kisune came across such secretive knowledge...but he knew he'd regret it even more if he didn't explain it to her. "It was an accident...I swear to God! I was just trying to do the work our science teacher gave us, and she was over because she was unfortunately my lab partner. Then she just started to play with my ears. I kicked her ass out of my house so fast that it would make anyone dizzy."

"Oh really? Is that all true? You didn't secretly like it?"

"I swear on my mother's grave, Rukia, I didn't like it one bit and I NEVER liked her! The only reason she even knows a single thing about me was because she STALKED me! And I wish I was joking about that, but I'm not. She stalked me from primary school to the second year of middle school. And the only reason I danced with her was for some stupid school thing and, God likes to make my life a living hell, she was assigned as my partner."

Rukia blinked in shock and astonishment. "O-oh."

"So there you have it. Now you have no reason to be upset, jealous, angry – whatever negative emotion you have towards Kisune. You don't need those emotions. Kisune could NEVER compare to you! Comparing her to you...it makes her look like...a...um...a puffer fish!"

"A puffer fish? You mean one of those spiky fish that makes themselves puff up?"

"Yes, Rukia. Hence the name."

"But what am I then that makes her looks like that? I thought she was very pretty. So whatever it is that makes me look better than her must be good."

Ichigo stood there, thinking about it. What exactly was Rukia? It had to be something good or she probably wouldn't believe him. He thought long and hard, doing his best to ignore her disbelieving stare. Then, he figured it out. "An ice sculpture!"

Rukia's brow furrowed. "An ice sculpture?"

"Yeah! It's beautiful to anyone who sees it. And even when it's melted or destroyed....it still has an odd beauty to it."

Rukia's face could not have gone any redder than it currently was. "You do realize you just basically called me beautiful..."

It took Ichigo a minute to register what she meant and what he said. But when it kicked in...he went a dark red and tried to shrink away. It wasn't that he didn't think that of her. On the contrary, he always thought that Rukia was very beautiful. It was just that he never really wanted to say it because he was scared of her reaction. There was a sense of relief when her only reaction was a blush and those words. Ichigo swallowed, attempting to moisten his dry throat.

'Well...since it's out there...guess there's no need to hold back...'   "I-I know. But you a-are. Beautiful, I mean."

The lieutenant gawked at him with those wide purple-blue eyes. "Pardon me?"

Ichigo began to nervously scratch the back of his head.   'She's gonna kill me...isn't she?'   "Ah...well...you know how I offered to take you ice skating today because you wanted to get some practice in before the Soul Society finishes building its own skating rink?"

"Of course."

"Well...the only reason I even said I would was because...um...it would...give me the chance to ask you a very important question without wandering eyes."

"A question?"

"Yes."

"What kind of question?"

"Uhhh..."

"You can ask it. I think this is a perfect opportunity."

"You sure?"

"Yes, you fool! Just ask it!"

"Alright alright! Jeez! Don't need to get all pissy!" Ichigo heaved a sigh and plucked up his courage.   'This would've been so much easier if everything went according to plan...'   "Rukia...will you...go out with me?"

The Shinigami didn't appear to understand the question. "Go out with you?"

"Ah, you know...date me?"

"Date? As in the fruit?"

Ichigo massaged his temples. This was worse than he thought it would be. "No, Rukia. Not the fruit. Ah...what term can I use that the Soul Society knows? Hmmm...I got it! Rukia, what I'm trying to ask you is will you be my..." He swallowed. "Lover?"

NOW she understood. He could tell by how deep shade of red she turned. Her mouth kept opening and closing like a fish out of water. Then, slowly, her face returned to its lovely shade of pale. A smile crept up her face. She walked up to him and took his hands in hers. Ichigo's heart crammed itself on his tongue – keeping his words crushed under its weight.

"Your lover, you say? That's a really strong word to use. Are you sure you're ready for that kind of commitment?"

"Damnit, Rukia! It means you're my girlfriend here!"

She giggled. "Oh, I know that. I was just teasing you, that's all." She slipped her hands around his waist, and looked up at him innocently. "Does this mean you like me?"

Ichigo blushed lightly.   'D-damnit! She's...she's cute!'   "I-if you want to use that word..."

"What other word would I use?"

"L-love?"

Shock swept across her face again. Then, it softened. "You know...I thought that all I needed tonight was for you to like how I looked...guess I was very wrong. This...this is what I needed..."

"Why did you need me to like what you wear? I think you look good no matter what."

"Because, you idiot, us women are self-conscious and hearing that a man we admire likes how we look means a lot."

"I thought you didn't care about that kind of crap?"

Rukia's purple-blue pools became full of soft strength. She brought his face down to her level, and cupped her hands around his cheeks. "Ichigo...I may behave like none of that matters and I may behave like a boy sometimes...but know this...I am, and always will be, a woman first. And everything you've done for me tonight has made the woman within me swell with joy." She smiled tenderly. "And all I want is to be held and loved by you. I love you...and I want to be with you for eternities piled upon eternities. I can understand if you're not entirely committed to that just yet...but I just want to put it out there so you know and hopefully don't forget. I know how you forget things sometimes."

Ichigo twitched slightly at her words, his eyes trying to find another place to stare at. "Why does everyone keep saying that I'm forgetful?"

"Because you are sometimes. Need I start listing times that I know of that you were forgetful?"

"Please don't..."

She giggled again and shook her head. She bopped their noses together with that gentle and cutesy smile that the Substitute had fallen for unwittingly.. And that's when Ichigo took his chance. He leaned in closer to her, and their lips touched. A little gasp escaped from Rukia and she tried to pull away, whether it was from the initial shock from the sudden touch or from not wanting it was not know. Ichigo didn't allow her to get away. He did that once before and ultimately regretted it. He was not allowing it again...not when he had finally gotten the guts to come this far. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back, pressing his lips gently yet firmly against hers. This time, her arms dropped to her side lifelessly. She kissed him back in the same soft, passionate, and a little awkward movement as him. A groan escaped from the back of Ichigo's throat. This was a wonderful sensation, one he was positive he wanted to experience time and time again with Rukia. It felt like he was floating on a cloud away from the worries and cares of the world. All that truly mattered was the woman in his arms at that very moment. She was all that existed with him...and no one else.

He parted away from her, receiving a protesting whimper from the little lieutenant. He chuckled hoarsely and placed two fingers on her lips. As she opened her eyes to question him, he spoke more of the words he wished to express.

"I don't mind spending eternities upon eternities with you. Why should I be afraid of making that kind of commitment? I love you...spending that much time with you would be heaven for me."

Rukia didn't look shocked, didn't look confused – the reactions he expected. Instead, she smiled lovingly and curled her itty bitty fingers around his big wrist. She lowered his arm and leaned into him. She kissed the nape of his neck, causing him to shiver. She rested her forehead on his shoulder and entangled one of her hands in his orange mess.

"Glad to hear it..." she whispered.

Ichigo smiled and kissed her hair as best as he could without getting his own hair tugged at. This wasn't the moment he wanted at the skating rink...but it was still a perfect moment.

'Everything's perfect when I'm with her...'

"We should probably get back to the party, Ichigo."

"But why? We could stay here all night. Dad could easily pinpoint our Reiatsu."

"And what if your ex-stalker friend is the one that finds us instead?"

"Hmmm...I see your point. Alright, you win. We'll go back to that stupid party."

"Don't sound too excited."

"I'm not excited! I was enjoying this..."

Rukia heaved a sigh. She pulled away from him, then pushed his head downward with her hand embedded in his hair. Next thing Ichigo knew...he felt a little nibble on his ear. He tensed up as he felt his body grow excited.

"There." Rukia said cheerfully as she started walking off. "That should take care of you till we can be alone again later tonight."

Ichigo's face grew pink as he stormed after his girlfriend. "D-damnit, Rukia! Don't do that!"

"Why not? We are together now, correct? I think that entitles me to get you excited whenever I please."

"Do you know what kind of repercussions there could be from doing that?!"

"I'll take them on. Besides, if you try doing anything that I don't like...I'll just kick your ass. Simple as that."

"You are so annoying..."

"But you love me, right? I believe that's what you said. And you said that you'd spend eternities piled upon eternities with me as well. You sure you want that if this is how it'll be?"

"Of course I'm sure!"

"Then why are you complaining?"

Ichigo opened his mouth to argue, but he quickly closed it. Rukia had stopped in front of the party's door, whirled around, and kissed him harshly on his lips. He was taken aback by this, but that didn't stop him from kissing her back just as harshly. Just as fast at it started, it stopped. Rukia leaned against the doors with a sly smirk.

"Hope you'll get used to that as well. I just might be doing that a lot." she teased.

Ichigo's mouth curled up into a crooked smile. "Don't be surprised if I do that too."

"I'll do my best."

She pushed the doors open, an obviously lighter beat to her step. Ichigo shook his head and continued to smile. All it took to fix her down mood was a little alone time.

'That's a good thing. Means I got this all down...hopefully. Don't think I can afford too many screw ups.'

From the corner of his eye, he saw Kisune walking up to them. Quickly, Ichigo took Rukia's hand and pulled her hard enough that her back slammed against his chest. Kisune was the LAST person either he or Rukia needed to be in contact with. He didn't want all his hard work to make Rukia feel better to go down the drain.

"Hey?! What the hell was that for?!" barked the feisty raven haired girl.

"Ex-stalker." was all he said before trying to lead Rukia off towards his family, hoping that would get Kisune off their trail.

Sadly, it didn't work. Rukia remained firmly planted where she stood. And no matter how hard or desperately Ichigo tried to remove her from that spot, she would not budge. This wasn't good in the slightest. Kisune was fast approaching.

'Great...there's going to be blood...and I'll have to be the one to clean it up...'

"Hey Ichi!" greeted Kisune giddily.

Rukia finally removed herself from her spot. She took a step forward and jabbed her finger in Kisune's chest. "Listen here, you! It's ICHIGO! He doesn't like being called ICHI! And I'm pretty sure that's YOUR fault! Sure, Karin calls him Ichi-nii, but that's different than just being called Ichi. And hey, I may not know the little details about him...but I know things that YOU don't! And I didn't have to stalk him to learn the things I know about him. He willingly told me. So your petty words and insults towards my knowledge and my looks mean nothing! You know why? Because in the end it is ME that got him...not you. Now, if you don't mind, please leave us alone. That would be greatly appreciated...by Ichigo more than me."

Ichigo's jaw dropped open. He couldn't believe what he just heard! A few minutes ago, she was little miss depressed and self-conscious...now she was good ol' Rukia! Ichigo closed his mouth, and smiled like a goof...something he hadn't done in ages. He threw his arms around his girlfriend and laughed.

"That's my girl!"

A shocked gasp let loose from Kisune. She didn't know how to respond to what just happened. So, like Rukia asked, she hurried away with shame upon her face. After she was gone, Rukia started squirming in her boyfriend's arms.

"H-hey! Let me go!"

"Why? Can't I hold you? You said you wanted that."

"Yeah...but not like this!"

"I don't see the difference between this and the way I held you in the other ballroom."

"I-Ichigo! People are staring!"

"Let them. They're just jealous that I have the most beautiful woman in the world within my grasp."

"What the hell is the matter with you?! Where's that up tightness you usually have?!"

"Why should I be uptight with the woman I love?"

"Oh God! I broke you!"

"Yep!"

And as people continued to stare at the couple, Rukia tried to break free while Ichigo laughed like an joyous idiot.
Just a little something I wrote before I completely forgot it. Hope you enjoy! X3

Rukia's Outfit

Dress: [link]
Shoes: [link]
Necklace: [link]
Bracelet: [link]

Kisune's Outfit

Dress: [link]
Shoes: [link]
Necklace: [link]
Earrings: [link]
Bracelet: [link]
© 2012 - 2024 fallenpharaoh
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LunaYuuki's avatar
You should make a fic with them already in a relationship, something a little more in depth than Let's Give it a Try